What is a breast lift ?: A breast lift procedure, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure performed to raise, tighten, and reshape the contour of the breast. A woman’s breasts will change over time, whether from pregnancy and breastfeeding, changes in weight, gravity, or the inevitable process of aging. These factors can result in sagging breasts and enlarged areola, which a breast lift will correct. It is important to note that a breast lift will not significantly change the size or shape of your breasts. If you are hoping to achieve rounder, fuller breasts, a breast lift and breast augmentation may be right for you. If you hope to reduce the size of your breasts, talk to Dr. Vallecillos about a breast lift and breast reduction surgery.
Procedure Walk-Through
- Preparation: Dr. Vallecillos may request that you undergo a screening mammogram before the breast lift procedure, and a second one after the surgical site has healed. You should cease taking any medications, herbs, or vitamins that thin the blood during the two weeks before your surgery. If you smoke, you should quit for at least the two weeks preceding your procedure, as well as the two weeks after. Before the day of your surgery, you should arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after the operation.
- Anesthesia: Most patients will receive general anesthesia for a breast lift surgery. However, intravenous sedation and local anesthetic may be an option. Dr. Vallecillos will recommend the best option for you.
- There are several techniques that may be utilized during a breast lift procedure, depending on the severity of the condition, the extent of the repair, and the desired outcome of the patient. Incisions may be made in one of three ways:
Around the areola and down to the bottom of the breast
Once the incisions are made, Dr. Vallecillos will lift and reshape underlying tissue, reposition the nipple and areola and (if necessary) reduce the size of the areola, and remove any excess skin. Sutures are placed within the breast tissue to provide internal support, and the incisions are closed.
Breast Lift & Breast Augmentation
When fuller, rounder breasts are the goal, a combination breast lift and breast augmentation surgery may be necessary. There are several methods available for breast augmentation, including saline and silicone implants, as well as autologous fat transfer. Dr. Vallecillos will discuss beforehand with you which method is best for your desired outcome and individual circumstance.
Breast Lift & Breast Reduction
When smaller breasts are the goal, a combination breast lift and breast reduction may be best. During the breast lift procedure, extra breast tissue will be removed and the remaining tissue and skin lifted and firmed.
Breast Lift Procedures Before & After Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for a breast lift?
You should consider a breast lift if you are an adult woman who is at a stable weight, is not planning any future pregnancies, and wishes to correct breasts that are loose and sagging, which may include enlarged areolas.
What is the recovery time for a breast lift?
For the first few days after surgery, you will have drainage tubes relieving excess fluids from the surgical sites. The breasts will be bandaged temporarily and should remain on until removed by Dr. Vallecillos in a follow-up consultation. You are allowed to move around normally; however, actions that involve lifting, straining, or strenuous exercise should be avoided until the breasts have completely healed. Sexual activity should be limited during the first week after surgery. Most patients can return to work within two weeks after surgery, provided that their job does not require the aforementioned physical activities. Dr. Vallecillos will most likely recommend that you wear a special supportive bra or ace bandage for several weeks to provide compression on the breasts while they heal.
Are there risks or side effects with a breast lift?
Breast lift surgery, like most surgeries, does carry with it a risk of infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, and scarring. If you choose to undergo a breast lift in combination with a breast augmentation with implants, risks may include diminished sensitivity in the areola, permanent pigmentation problems, tissue necrosis, and asymmetry of the breasts.
How long do the results last?
The results from a breast lift should be long lasting. Once corrected, the breasts should remain relatively stable, assuming the patient’s weight does not fluctuate greatly. Over time, however, skin inelasticity due to aging and gravity may make another procedure necessary to retain the desired results.